Abstract: A process for the isolation of crystalline carotenoid compound from microbial biomass comprising disrupting the microbial cell walls, separating cellular debris from the carotenoid-containing residue, washing one member of the group consisting of the microbial biomass, the disrupted cell mass and the carotenoid-containing reside with a solvent to remove lipid, suspending the obtained carotenoid crystals in water to float the crystals, recovering the crystals and, optionally, further purifying the crystals which avoids the use of large amounts of solvent of carotenoid extraction process.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process to recover highly pure 2-carotene crystals from a crude crystal preparation obtained from a natural source. To remove impurities, the crude crystals are stirred in a solvent in which 2-carotene has a low solubility, whereupon the crystals are filtered off and washed with fresh solvent. Using the process of the invention, a natural crystalline 2-carotene preparation with a very high purity is obtained, a purity comparable to that of synthetic 2-carotene.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple and selective method for the deacylation of 4-acylated statins during the preparation of statins from a fermentation broth, more specifically a reduction of impurities from the process, by increasing the pH of the fermentation broth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel ceramide 3 derivative which is N-linoleoylphytosphingosine (Ceramide IIIA). In addition, a method for preparing this compound is described. The solubility of this diunsaturated ceramide IIIA is much higher than the solubility of ceramide 1 and a saturated ceramide 3 compound. Compositions containing ceramide IIIA are described which are suitable for topical use. Furthermore, a method is given for maintaining the water permeability characteristics of the skin using compositions comprising ceramide IIIA.